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High Surf, Rip Current Warnings

A high surf advisory remains in effect on the Island due to an Atlantic hurricane that is expected to stay well offshore. The National Weather Service in Taunton issued the advisory on Wednesday for the south coast of Massachusetts, including the Vineyard and Nantucket. Seas could run from six to 12 feet. Rip tide warnings are also in effect and could remain in effect through Friday, the weather service said.

The town of Edgartown issued an alert Thursday morning that there are dangerous rip currents at South Beach. The town is asking people not to swim there under current conditions unless they are expert swimmers, and even then to use caution.

The Trustees of Reservations reported Wednesday afternoon that six swimmers were pulled to safety after becoming caught in ocean rip currents at Long Point Wildlife Refuge in West Tisbury.

On the Vineyard rip tides and strong undertows are especially prevalent on the south shore at this time of year, and swimmers are advised to take extra precautions. Never swim alone on the south shore. If you become caught in a rip current, do not fight the current; instead signal for help, remain calm and swim parallel to the shore.